Open Rank Global Recruitment for career-defining opportunities on Bioelectronic and Neuromodulation of Organ Function.
Where Discovery Meets Global Impact
We are seeking passionate Master’s Thesis, PhD Thesis, Postdoctoral Studies, or Research Scientist to join the Shanghai Research Center for Neuromodulation of Organ Function.
About Us
Shanghai University, in partnership with leading Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals, is building a research environment where neuroscience meets clinical translation. Our work focuses on how the nervous system regulates immunity and metabolism, and how this can be leveraged to treat diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and sepsis.
Our approach uniquely integrates nerve stimulation with modern bioelectronic medicine, creating new therapeutic strategies that directly modulate neural pathways rather than relying solely on drugs.
Dr. Luis Ulloa is an internationally recognized leader in neuromodulation, known for discovering the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and defining neural control of immunity, metabolism, and organ function. With training in neuroscience and cancer immunology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and prior leadership roles at Rutgers and Duke University, he now leads an innovative research program at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. His work bridges neuroscience and immunology to develop innovative therapeutic strategies using neuromodulation and bioelectronic medicine.
Dr. Ulloa’s work has reshaped our understanding of neuro-immune communication. He is best known for discovering the “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway,” demonstrating that the vagus nerve can act as a master regulator to suppress harmful inflammation. His research revealed a clear mechanistic chain establishing new therapeutic targets for diseases like sepsis.
His lab has also pioneered the integration of electroacupuncture with modern bioelectronic medicine. By identifying neural circuits such as the sciatic nerve–adrenal–dopamine pathway, his team uncovered new ways to control inflammation using neuromodulation and repurposed drugs. These discoveries, published in the most prestigious journals highlight a unifying vision: harness the body’s own neural networks to develop precise, effective therapies. Today, his group combines cutting-edge approaches—including whole-brain imaging, chemogenetics, and single-cell omics—to map neural–immune circuits and uncover new therapeutic strategies.
Why Join?
We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows and students to join this dynamic and interdisciplinary team. Trainees will work at the forefront of neuroscience, immunology, and translational medicine, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies while contributing to impactful discoveries.
If you are driven to tackle fundamental biological questions and translate them into real-world therapies, we encourage you to apply and be part of a research program dedicated to redefining how we treat inflammatory disease.
Trainees work across neuroscience, immunology, and clinical research—asking mechanistic questions and translating findings into human therapies. You will have access to advanced platforms including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, single-cell omics, imaging, and disease models.
Trainees receive strong mentorship, competitive support, and opportunities to publish in top journals such as Nature, Nature Medicine, and Science Translational Medicine, leading to careers in academia and industry.
You will work at the intersection of basic and clinical research, of ancient practice and modern technology. You will collaborate internationally. And you will be mentored by a principal investigator deeply invested in your success.
If you want to help design the future of neuromodulation medicine—drawing from the best of both traditions- this is where you start.
Research Focus:
Neuromodulation & Bioelectronic Medicine: Explore how neural circuits control inflammation, metabolism, and organ function across diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and sepsis. Our goal is to uncover fundamental mechanisms by which the nervous system orchestrates immune responses and to redefine how complex diseases are understood and treated.
Integrating Electroacupuncture with Cutting-Edge Technologies: Bridge traditional electroacupuncture with state-of-the-art tools, including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and single-cell omics. By decoding neural–immune circuits at multiple levels—from whole organisms to single cells—we aim to identify previously hidden regulatory pathways.
Translational Therapeutic Innovation: Move discoveries beyond basic science through rigorous preclinical studies, mechanism-driven target validation, and proof-of-concept experiments. Our research focuses on developing innovative, non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies, creating new opportunities to treat disease by harnessing the body’s own neural networks.
We offer an exciting environment for ambitious students who are eager to work across disciplines, master advanced technologies, and contribute to discoveries with real clinical impact.
Representative Publications:
Our publications are indexed in PubMed, with more than 140 publications to date
1. Ulloa L. Neuron. 113(19):3072-3075. 2025.
2. Youssef et al. Sci Transl Med, (16)774.2024.
3. Ulloa L, Neuron. 111(1):10-14. 2023.
4. Ulloa L, Nature. 598(7882):573. 2021.
5. Torres-Rosas et al Nature Medicine 20(3):291-5, 2014
6. Ulloa L. Cell Research, 23(11):1249-50, 2013
7. Ulloa L. The Vagus Nerve and the Nicotinic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery; 4:673-684, 2005.
8. Huston et al. J Exp Med, 203(7):1623-8, 2006.
9. Wang et al. Nature Medicine; 10(11):1216-21, 2004
10. Wang et al. Nature, 421(6921):384-8, 2003
Requirements
Applicants should have research experience with peer-reviewed publications in cellular or molecular biology. Postdoctoral candidates must have hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR). Experience with or willingness to learn animal procedures and nerve stimulation is desirable.
Application
Submit a single PDF (CV, research summary, and publications) to LuisUlloa@shutcm.edu.cn. Materials may be in English or Chinese.
Qualified candidates will receive prompt consideration, along with a strong compensation package, comprehensive benefits and the chance to immerse yourself in Shanghai’s vibrant cultural life. We warmly welcome motivated, passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to an exciting, evolving area of research.